What a co-op is and how it functions:
Co-op housing is not public housing. Nor is it commercial housing based on a landlord/tenant relationship. Co-ops are mixed-income communities that are home to people of all ages and backgrounds. This diversity is one of the co-op movement’s greatest strengths. Once accepted into a co-op, you become a member of a self-governing community. Members elect a Board of Directors from among themselves to govern the co-op’s operations through committees. At Helen’s Court, committees include Finance, Membership, Maintenance, Gardening, Garage, Aging in Place, Health and Safety, and Children’s. Members of Helen’s Court must follow our Rules and Occupancy Agreement. Although Helen’s Court is guided by the Co-operative Association Act, our community was founded in activism and maintains a proud tradition of innovative self-governance.
What makes a good co-op member:
Because co-ops are self-governed and manage their own buildings, co-op members have a duty to participate. They are expected to attend general meetings, join committees, and take on tasks. They should also agree with our core values.
Applying to be a member:
You can open and fill out the application using PDF Preview on Mac, or Microsoft Edge on Windows. Alternatively, free Adobe Reader is compatible with both systems. No additional software is required.
Kindly fill out the form, save using the applicant’s last name, and return your application to membership@helenscourt.org. Please follow the guidelines regarding the character limit, noting that the limit is measured in characters, not words. Do not include any attachments; we will only evaluate the answers on the application. To increase your chance of being considered when a suitable unit becomes available, please submit a detailed application.
Our waiting list doesn’t operate on first-come-first-served basis. When a unit becomes available, the Membership Committee considers all current applications for that unit size and selects households for interviews based on the quality of the applications and the needs of the community. The co-op’s policy is to keep applications on file for only one year. Applicants must confirm their interest to stay on the waitlist annually and update the co-op on any changes, for example, address, annual income, family composition, or new volunteering experience. It’s impossible to say when a unit will become available as our turnover is unpredictable.
Current Housing charges 2024:
Maximum housing charges break down as follows. We have 9 one-bedrooms, $856- $954, 22 two-bedrooms, $1,242 – $1,445, and 13 three-bedrooms, $1,246- $1,671. The share purchase is double the monthly housing charge.
We do accept pets!